...Pleads for 48kg at Tokyo 2020

NEWDELHI: Mary Kom once again showed on Saturday that when it comes to boxing lowest weight division, she owns the ring. Her record over almost two decades testify to that.

After winning gold in style with the home fans chanting her name, an Mary Kom, 35, was ready to battle on until 2020 Tokyo. Overcome by emotion, she acknowledged that a realistic bid at achieving her dream of an Olympic gold is possible only if 48kg is included.

She won 51kg bronze at the 2012 London Games, but didn’t qualify for the Rio Games.

She has won all her world medals in 45-48kg categories but 48kg is not an Olympic division. Mary has repeatedly spoken about her problem in adding weight to compete in 51kg, to face bigger and stronger rivals. She will also have to box in 51kg at next year’s World Championships in Russia.

“There is no 48kg in the Olympics. I have to jump to the other category. For the effort (adding weight, building power, etc) is very challenging. Because of your love and support I was able to qualify for the 2012 Olympics and win a medal. I will try to qualify for Tokyo 2020,” a tearyeyed Mary said after victory.

Mary’s fifth world gold came in Barbados in 2010, and after that she began preparations to shift to 51kg for London. But when it comes to 48kg, Mary has showed here that she is still the best. Her Commonwealth Games gold in April also came in 48kg.

“I was not able to qualify for Rio and (my) category is not in the Olympics. I’m still suffering. In 51kg, height (dis)advantage is also there,” she said in her ringside interview.

But 2020 Tokyo is on her mind. “I am still dreaming. I won bronze in London Olympics. As an athlete, as a boxer, I want to win gold medal for my country.”

India coach Raffaelle Bergamasco said he was happy with the performance. “Mary is a legend but the other girls are improving step by step. We will be looking to get some berths in Tokyo Olympics,”he said.